Though periodic rumors keep us guessing, I just don't see 100-400L update coming anytime soon, for reasons similar to the ones I listed for the 14-24L earlier, granted only point #2 really holds for the tele:

Canon simply may not see the release of an updated 100-400L II in its best interest right now.

The current 100-400L is a good zoom; they still sell a ton of them; and increasing its IQ any more could potentially cut into other new entries and higher priced lenses... including their yet to arrive in real life "200-400L + 1.4Ex". They would want you to upgrade into the higher price rung if you are that eager and willing.

Remember, Canon has left a lot of lenses from early years as they are... this zoom is rather new in that context.

I have given up, though I naively thought that it will be coming and I can replace the push-pull, and may be get more complete/full weather sealing.

A rumor here hailed earlier: "2013: year of the 400 lenses?" And I say, only if you are 420-friendly. If you want a 100-400L get it now, no point waiting. I don't see such a lens showing up, regardless of the rumors that keep us on our toes.

Its been rumored for about 7 years now. No one makes a lens that is even close to its performance in this price range. There are many lenses that need upgrading, but the cost is the obstacle. I saw Canon mention this in a CES interview, improving lenses raises the cost by a large amount.

But just in case...if you're going to buy one now, consider used. I see them frequently on CL for ~$1,000 or a bit less.

+1 mine was used and I don't regret it... at that time it saved me at least ~400. Prices have come down a tad, so bargains are good on the used market now.

What don't you like about your present copy? I purchased this used around 7 months ago and couldn't be happier with it. Granted, it would be nice to have the updated IS, but I'm completely satisfied with the sharpness. A new version would certainly cost well over $2k, probably over 2.5...

But just in case...if you're going to buy one now, consider used. I see them frequently on CL for ~$1,000 or a bit less.

+1 mine was used and I don't regret it... at that time it saved me at least ~400. Prices have come down a tad, so bargains are good on the used market now.

What don't you like about your present copy? I purchased this used around 7 months ago and couldn't be happier with it. Granted, it would be nice to have the updated IS, but I'm completely satisfied with the sharpness. A new version would certainly cost well over $2k, probably over 2.5...

The post was more for those considering the lens but waiting fruitlessly for an update that is unlikely to come soon. I mention the push pull and full weather sealing which one would anticipate in a newer version, but I am pretty ok with mine. The thrust of the post was not to wait for an update if you need this zoom range.

But just in case...if you're going to buy one now, consider used. I see them frequently on CL for ~$1,000 or a bit less.

+1 mine was used and I don't regret it... at that time it saved me at least ~400. Prices have come down a tad, so bargains are good on the used market now.

What don't you like about your present copy? I purchased this used around 7 months ago and couldn't be happier with it. Granted, it would be nice to have the updated IS, but I'm completely satisfied with the sharpness. A new version would certainly cost well over $2k, probably over 2.5...

The post was more for those considering the lens but waiting fruitlessly for an update that is unlikely to come soon. I mention the push pull and full weather sealing which one would anticipate in a newer version, but I am pretty ok with mine. The thrust of the post was not to wait for an update if you need this zoom range.

Got it. Couldn't agree more. With the recent drop in price, now is definitely the time to purchase. Canon's next release will probably be a 50mm f/2 IS anyway

But just in case...if you're going to buy one now, consider used. I see them frequently on CL for ~$1,000 or a bit less.

Don't buy without testing first. There are some very good copies but also some very bad ones. My purchased used copy is as sharp in the centre as the 400 L f/5.6 prime but I had earlier tested a new one that was definitely soft.

What don't you like about your present copy? I purchased this used around 7 months ago and couldn't be happier with it. Granted, it would be nice to have the updated IS, but I'm completely satisfied with the sharpness. A new version would certainly cost well over $2k, probably over 2.5...

How do you know what is in Canon's best interest? I can tell you that their Marketing departments are have a tough time deciding, why do any of us have a better handle? Certainly refreshing the lens would lead to renewed sales for upgraders, and new sales to people like me who are happy to wait for a version II.

At any rate I don't see how you can say the 100-400 is a competitor to the new 200-400 1.4, in price, focal reach or IQ. If you can't wait any longer then by all means pick up a current gen 100-400, but don't try to justify it by deciding what Canon marketing will or won't do.

How do you know what is in Canon's best interest? I can tell you that their Marketing departments are have a tough time deciding, why do any of us have a better handle? Certainly refreshing the lens would lead to renewed sales for upgraders>><<<..If you can't wait any longer then by all means pick up a current gen 100-400, but don't try to justify it by deciding what Canon marketing will or won't do.

I'd pay ~$2400 if they make it similar to their more recent 70-300L starting out at f4 but variable as you zoom if only to keep the price down...and full weather-sealing and IS updated to match the newer 70-300L ...hopefully not the push pull ...nothing ground shattering as the current lens IQ isn't a dog...but tweaks and updates would be nice. But i am not holding my breath.

Many of us like the push-pull because it retracts to a small, size which is convenient for packing for travel. It's not the sharpest of lenses, and I keep mine for vacations where I am limited by suitcase space and weight so I can't take my preferred primes. Again, even though f/5.6 makes it somewhat slow, the saving of weight is important if you travel light. Overall, the lens is a good compromise if you want a convenient, small relatively light telephoto zoom. I'd buy an upgrade.

yeah because if you interested in a 1400 euro lens you could just buy the better 11000 euro lens.

i guess a ton of potential 100-400mm buyer will just buy the 200-400mm instead...

Actually, it would be the other way around. If the new 100-400L II zoom is upgraded in IQ significantly (considering it is already a good performer) you are easiliy in the zone of other primes in the focal length range...and the 200-400 zoom is not the only lens in question. Canon has kept several low priced older primes for more than a decade in this range, and while they are not sexy or new, given no new R&D or production line upgrades are needed for these as would be with a newer product, they are steady revenue generators.

People who will foot the bill for higher priced primes (may be not the 11K zoom customer, I agree) but somewhere in the midrange will pause and consider the lower priced high IQ competitor with the versatility of a zoom vs the smidge of IQ or f/stop they may garner by paying 3 or 5K more.

If the IQ and IS improve with the new 100-400L II and they will have to, at least a tad, to justify a newer version, this is not such a far fetched notion.